Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.